News for 'Independent India'

Rajasthan civic polls: Cong wins 6 of 9 wards in repolling

Rajasthan civic polls: Cong wins 6 of 9 wards in repolling

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Congress party won six out of nine wards where repolling was conducted across four urban local bodies in Rajasthan, while the BJP secured three. These results finalise the tally for all 10,244 wards, with the BJP holding the overall lead in total wards won, followed by Congress and Independents. The process for electing mayors and chairpersons is now underway.

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar has called for an independent review of the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) coaching appointments, citing concerns about transparency, eligibility criteria, and potential conflicts of interest. The NRAI, however, asserts that appointments are merit-based and views Kumar's concerns as 'sour grapes' after his own non-selection.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.

What Tata Sons Told Tata Trusts About Chandra's Reappointment

What Tata Sons Told Tata Trusts About Chandra's Reappointment

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Tata Sons has provided Tata Trusts with three legal opinions, including those from former Supreme Court judges BN Srikrishna and UU Lalit, to assert the validity of N Chandrasekaran's reappointment as chairman for another five years, following queries from Tata Trusts regarding the September 17 board meeting resolution.

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Mumbai-based TCR Engineering Services has become the first independent company in India to receive Nadcap accreditation for materials testing at its Navi Mumbai and Vadodara laboratories, a crucial step for Indian suppliers to enter the global aerospace supply chain.

No external pressure on Sonia book, it came down to one issue: Penguin India

No external pressure on Sonia book, it came down to one issue: Penguin India

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Penguin Random House India has denied any external pressure influenced its decision not to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', stating an 'impasse over a particular issue' led to the author's team withdrawing the book.

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.

'You're Not Welcome Xi': Tibetans Protest In Delhi

'You're Not Welcome Xi': Tibetans Protest In Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Members of the Tibetan community in exile held a symbolic protest march in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS 2026 Summit, voicing opposition to Beijing's policies in Tibet.

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Rediff.com7 days ago

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

How India Can Boost Its Olympic Medal Tally

How India Can Boost Its Olympic Medal Tally

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that India's Olympic performance can significantly improve by increasing participation in sports where the nation currently lacks representation. Speaking at the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi highlighted that India competes in only half of the Olympic sports, leading to a missed opportunity for medals. He also reiterated his vision for sports as a nation-building process, not just about winning medals, and mentioned a nationwide talent hunt for young children.

Turn 'approver' or face trial: Cong's warning to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Turn 'approver' or face trial: Cong's warning to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Under the Odisha state premature release policy, prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment become eligible for remission after completing 25 years in prison, subject to recommendations by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and approval by the state government. Dara Singh has now spent more than 26 years in prison.

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'My biggest fear about AI is that humans are going to rush to deploy it before AI is ready.'

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'The issue appears to be less about Chandrasekaran personally and more about the direction Tata Sons should take.'

The Untold Migration To Gujarat

The Untold Migration To Gujarat

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Their stories will go unheard, filed somewhere in the banal footnotes of history. Unwritten, untold, undocumented, notes Binu Alex.

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

GMR Aero Technic (GAT) and StandardAero have signed an agreement to establish an authorised service centre in India for on-wing engine support in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This partnership aims to combine StandardAero's engine aftermarket expertise with GMR Aero Technic's MRO capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of specialised engine maintenance services to minimise aircraft downtime and enhance operational efficiency for airlines and operators in the region.

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will offer an early measure of the TVK's electoral strength and put the dynamics of its new alliance in focus.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Did love make Bhagat Singh a weaker revolutionary? In a heated argument once, Sukhdev accused him of allowing his fascination with a woman to come in the way of revolutionary duty. Bhagat Singh's answer, in a letter days later, was a defence of love as a revolutionary's strength, not a weakness. On Bhagat Singh's 119th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra looks at the friendship, arguments and ideas that bound him and Sukhdev together.

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) next week that seeks the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and challenges the alleged unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission without the approval of two other Election Commissioners.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A FlyDubai flight captain was stabbed by his co-pilot in a suspected terror attack, leading to a desperate fight for survival that was heroically thwarted by an Israeli dentist and other passengers, averting a major mid-air disaster.

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Despite near gender parity in basic bank account ownership, women in India remain significantly underrepresented in the growing platform economy due to gaps in digital financial capability and access to credit, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organization and National Council of Applied Economic Research.

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, declared that India is undergoing a rapid transformation across various sectors and is firmly on track to become a developed nation by 2047.

Not Consulted On Tata Sons Recast Proposal: Trusts Vice-Chairmen

Not Consulted On Tata Sons Recast Proposal: Trusts Vice-Chairmen

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Tata Trusts Vice-Chairmen Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh challenge a proposed reorganisation of Tata Sons, alleging a lack of trustee consultation and raising concerns about its regulatory and financial implications.

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

Swedish MP irked over uncle Vikhe Patil, cousin basking in her glory

Swedish MP irked over uncle Vikhe Patil, cousin basking in her glory

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Nila Vikhe Patil, recently elected to Sweden's Parliament, has expressed surprise and disapproval over her estranged uncle, Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and cousin, Sujay Vikhe Patil, attempting to associate themselves with her political achievement. She stated that she has had no contact with them for over a decade and views their actions as an attempt to "piggyback" on her success.

Sri Lanka Cricket pushes for more Test matches against India, England, Australia

Sri Lanka Cricket pushes for more Test matches against India, England, Australia

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Eran Wickramaratne, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee, has called for a revision of the ICC's Future Tours Programme to allow Sri Lanka to play more Test matches against cricketing powerhouses like India, England, and Australia, citing the financial dependence on India and the desire to excel in the format.

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a new office and deployed CISF security to safeguard confidential areas, following a major controversy over the NEET paper leak and administrative lapses. This move aims to implement foolproof security arrangements and restore public trust in the examination system.

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was made independently, refuting claims of foreign influence. The ministry stated the policy aims to build a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem, with MDR funding infrastructure and supporting small merchants.

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

'Nobody can say a quake will strike on a particular day or month. It remains a natural event, governed by factors that are only partly understood, even by researchers working on this across the world.'

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

CDSCO has warned consumers against using two unauthorised Pakistani whitening creams after finding excessive heavy metals and regulatory violations.